Sunday, July 11, 2010

NOTE from DearMYRTLE: The following was just received from our friends at FGS (the Federation of Genealogical Societies). Please address all inquiries to kidscamp@fgs.org.

Free Day Camp Offers Kids Fun Chance to Learn about Their Roots

For Immediate Release
July 7, 2010

KNOXVILLE – If your kids are looking for something fun and unique to do this summer, an upcoming free genealogy camp may be just the answer. The FamilySearch Kids Camp will be held on Saturday, August 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Knoxville Convention Center in conjunction with the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ national conference. This free event requires advanced registration.

The FamilySearch Kids Camp helps young people develop an appreciation for their family history and better understand why it is important to know about one’s ancestors. The Camp is geared to youth 10 to 14 years of age.

The event will involve a variety of activities, including several designed to help Boy Scouts earn their Genealogy Merit Badge. Kids will learn how to interview relatives and document families in their family tree. There will be interactive workshops on the importance of gathering records and keeping journals. and participants will use computers to find information about their ancestors.

“We are excited to offer this fun, educational opportunity to youth in the Knoxville area,” Federation of Genealogical Societies President, Pat Oxley, said. “Kids are naturally inquisitive and love the personal discoveries that can come from the camp’s activities. It is a fabulous opportunity for the youth of that area.”

Lisa Oakley, the Curator of Education for the East Tennessee Historical Society, says the Kids Camp is a unique event.

“The East Tennessee Historical Society recognizes the importance of children connecting with their past, and I can't think of a better way to do that than for kids to learn how to collect and understand their family history, which becomes critical to remembering your roots in the future,” Oakley said.

“Everyone has ancestors and it is incredibly rewarding to learn about them,” said Cherie Bush of FamilySearch, who is organizing the Genealogy Kids Camp. “Knowing more about where you come from can help both kids and adults better understand themselves.”

Oakley plans to bring her own daughter to the Kids Camp.

“I am excited for her to learn the steps for collecting her family history in an age appropriate and productive way,” Oakley said. “After all, when mom or dad tries to tell them how do something, it is always looked at as being not quite correct. To have FamilySearch provide this workshop, I know she will hang on every word. I will look forward to working together on our family tree!”

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,600 family history centers in 132 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.